Peter J. Azar

WINCHENDON — Peter J. Azar, 65, of 309 Ash Street, Winchendon, died Sunday evening, October 6th in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, with his family at his side after a yearlong illness.

WINCHENDON — Peter J. Azar, 65, of 309 Ash Street, Winchendon, died Sunday evening, October 6th in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, with his family at his side after a yearlong illness.

He was born in New Bedford on May 27, 1948, son of the late Azar Joseph and Nagepy (Thomas) Azar and had lived in Winchendon since 2004.

Peter was a graduate of Southeastern Massachusetts University in Dartmouth in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1978, Peter received his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Development from Northeastern University. In 2003, he received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from University of Hartford.

Peter had a long and distinguished career as an educator teaching science and outdoor education in New Bedford, Falmouth, and Brookline, MA before serving as a principal in Granville, MA, Wethersfield, CT and Bloomfield, CT.

In 2004, Peter became Superintendent of Schools for Winchendon Public Schools in Winchendon, MA where he successfully worked to pull the district out of its Underperforming Status — the first and only school system in Massachusetts to achieve this goal. In 2008, he moved on to effect change in Waltham, MA where he became Superintendent of Schools for the City of Waltham until his retirement in 2010.

Peter was a great fan of the Boston Celtics and was an avid fisherman of both salt water and fresh water. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to various spots within the United States as well as to Japan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Bermuda, and Hawaii. He was a member of Winchendon Kiwanis Club and served on its Scholarship Committee.

He leaves his wife of 34 years, Etsuko (Kumai) Azar; two sons, Sam P. Azar and his fiancée Lauren Holuj of Washington, DC and Zack P. Azar of Boston; two brothers, Thomas Azar and his wife Vicki of Swansea, MA and James Azar and his wife Brenda of Tiverton, RI; as well as nephews and nieces.

Peter will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and family man who cared for his students and believed in the value of education. His passion for life and fun-loving nature drew people to him and will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 11 A.M. in St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 N. Eastern Avenue, Fall River, MA. There are no calling hours.